President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in regions where he has undertaken the Presidential Accountability Series. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, aims to extend the government's transparency and accountability agenda to local communities. This move seeks to provide a structured platform for MMDCEs to account to citizens for the implementation of government policies and programmes at the local level.
The MMDA Accountability Series will be held twice a year through town hall meetings. The exercise will serve as a follow-through to the Presidential Accountability Series by translating national-level accountability engagements into direct interactions between local government authorities and residents. This will enable MMDCEs to account for the performance of each MMDA against its approved Medium-Term Development Plan and Annual Action Plan.
The engagements will cover various areas, including the implementation of government flagship programmes, utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund and Internally Generated Funds. MMDCEs will also account for infrastructure and development projects, sanitation and waste management, education, health, social protection, local economic development, revenue mobilisation and expenditure management. Other areas include employment, youth development and skills programmes.
The directive requires each MMDCE to present priorities and commitments for the next implementation period. This will give citizens an opportunity to assess both past performance and planned interventions. The engagements must be broad-based and include traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, Unit Committee representatives, religious leaders, organised labour, civil society organisations, youth and women's groups.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs stressed that adequate opportunity should be provided for members of the public to ask questions and seek clarification on matters relating to the performance and activities of the MMDA. The Regional Coordinating Councils have been tasked with coordinating and monitoring the exercise, ensuring that all eligible MMDAs participate.
The Ministry will also undertake monitoring visits or participate in selected engagements as part of its oversight responsibilities. MMDAs have been directed to make appropriate budgetary arrangements within their approved budgets to facilitate the organisation of the engagements. The exercise is described as a "priority accountability and citizen-engagement assignment" and MMDCEs are directed to personally lead the process.
The directive aims to deepen accountability and strengthen public confidence in local governance. The Ministry looks forward to a comprehensive, open and citizen-centred engagement. The MMDA Accountability Series is expected to commence immediately, with the Regional Coordinating Councils communicating the specific periods for the engagements.
Key points
- President Mahama directs MMDCEs to hold biannual accountability engagements in their jurisdictions.
- The engagements will cover the performance of each MMDA against its approved plans and programmes.
- The exercise aims to deepen accountability and strengthen public confidence in local governance.
